Never underestimate a Dragon's eye for treasure. Playing dumb in front of Illymoyas was useless.
Annan had no choice but to "tell the truth." "The Ratfolk refuse to leave because they found a Gold Mine. The Ratfolk Elder wants me to join them against Grand Lord Raymond."
"That made me think: your group is looking for a new Habitat. Wouldn't the gold-rich Broken Mountains make a perfect Lair for the Dragon Clan?"
"The Ratfolk Elder didn't want to agree at first. It thought you'd take a share of the profits. I had to explain that the benefits of having Blue Dragons on their side would far outweigh what they'd lose before it let me come find you."
Illymoyas answered just as Annan had expected. "The Ratfolk don't deserve treasure. We can kill them."
Annan was even a little touched—Illymoyas had included him!
How did that saying in the Warlock's Handbook go? If you love a Dragon, give it endless treasure. If you hate a Dragon, give it endless treasure.
No, not that one... It was: "If a Dragon is willing to share its treasure with you, it means you are as precious to it as treasure itself."
As for the Gold Mine belonging to the Ratfolk... that didn't matter.
The moment a Dragon discovered a Gold Mine, the situation became: "How dare you mine gold in my Gold Mine!"
"No, the Ratfolk are important too. They're a shield for you here, keeping the McKinnon Rats in the North at bay. If the McKinnon Rats reach this place, where else could you migrate?"
"We're not going anywhere."
Illymoyas sounded utterly cold, but Annan could see it clearly: she couldn't bear to leave the Gold Mine.
He smiled gently. "That's why we need to give the Stuen Ratfolk a share."
Annan convinced